We have found that one of the hardest things to do is finding different ways to practice our German language skills. We get up and go to class but then we have to force ourselves to go out into the world to use our German. Well, today the opportunity came to me. When our door buzzer rang, I thought for sure that it was the mailman saying he had a package for our neighbor (who must be on a mail ordering kick because she has received a lot of packages lately). Then through our intercom I heard the voice of a woman who started speaking German very quickly but I knew she wasn’t talking about a package or any other parcel delivery. After about 20 seconds I finally interrupted and said in my limited German that I speak only a little German and asked if she spoke English. She quickly replied that she did not but continued her discourse in German. I then realized that this was a great opportunity to practice my German but its much easier if we were face to face so I went down to the front of our building to speak with her.

When I opened the door, there wasn’t just one woman but two. Now I had a gut idea that I knew why these two ladies were here to speak with me but I was determined not to miss this chance to speak real German (not the practice German I do with other students). We went through the normal conversation of introductions where they asked me if I was from England (I guess my German pronunciation is getting better if they are having a hard time figuring out my origins) and how long I have been in Germany. Then they pulled out a pamphlet which they then began to show me different things in. I was astonished at how many of the words I actually knew but there was something vaguely familiar about the subject matter and how it was progressing. I’ve heard this same talk before but in English. I finally asked them if they were Jehovah’s Witness to which they gave an excited “Ja”. As I listened to them some more, I was really frustrated as I didn’t know how I could respond to them. I didn’t want them to walk away not knowing the Truth. That while they believe in the Bible, the additional “scriptures” and texts they have has distorted the true message of Jesus. But I didn’t have the words to be able to speak it with them.

After they left, leaving me with their literature to read, my heart hung low. Now I am even more determined to learn German as opportunities likes this are God made. He knows that it is a passion for Krista and I to seize these times and be used by Him to reveal His Truth. While I know God could have made a miracle happen and I could have spoken in German if that is what God had desired. But I believe God provided this opportunity as a way to motivate us and reveal the “why” He has us in language school. Pray with us that these ladies will return once we have acquired more of the language and we can have a discussion about what the Truth really is.